Diners at the eight-seat kitchen counter at the Squeaky Bean in Denver get a personal experience with talkative chefs, who are glad to answer questions about the food they're preparing. squeakybean.net

Posh in Scottsdale, Ariz., specializes in what it calls "improvisational cuisine," meaning the chef creates a multi-course menu based on diners' preferences. Seating's at a large chef's counter surrounding an open kitchen. poshscottsdale.com

If you get the right seat, going out for dinner can be a show. Restaurants are adding chef's counters, allowing diners to watch their meal prepared like a real-life version of a Food Network show. "It can be a really neat experience. It makes dining memorable, what you can talk about to friends," says Amber Gibson, a Chicago-based food and travel writer. While some of the menus can be quite pricey, they're perfect for a special holiday meal or celebration. Gibson shares some favorite counters with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

The Squeaky BeanDenverDiners at the eight-seat kitchen counter get a personal experience with talkative chefs, who are glad to answer questions about the food they're preparing. "You get to see a lot of dishes come out of the kitchen. It's almost like a visual menu," Gibson says. Guests can order a set tasting or off the menu, which features a range of meats, seafood and salads. 303-623-2665; squeakybean.net

Le PigeonPortland, OregonCounter seats are reserved for walk-ups, so guests may want to arrive early to snag one of the spots at this restaurant with Asian and French influences, Gibson says. Highlights could be prepared dishes like Thai barbecue pigeon or an unexpected foie gras profiterole. "It was one of the best desserts I've ever had and I'm a huge dessert fan." 503-546-8796; lepigeon.com

La FabriqueMontrealWhile some chef's counters are budget-breakers, this experience is surprisingly affordable. The restaurant is designed so the tables are above the kitchen, putting the preparation on center stage. "You see tantalizing food sitting there in front of you." Gibson says. "Some of their salads had absolutely wonderful flavors, and their meats are nice and hearty." bistrotlafabrique.com

Hot and Hot Fish ClubBirmingham, Ala.Chef Chris Hastings' bistro centers on an open kitchen, and those seated at the counter have a front-row seat for the action. The seasonal menu starts with Alabama Gulf Coast seafood, but ventures far and wide with rabbit, lamb, pork and quail. You'll also find upscale takes on Southern specialties from tomato salad to okra to a playful gourmet version of pork and beans. 205-933-5474; hotandhotfishclub.com

Restaurant at MeadowoodSt. Helena, Calif.Diners don't just sit at a counter, but literally inside the kitchen at this three-star Michelin restaurant in the heart of California's Napa Valley. With seating limited to four, it's an intimate experience, Gibson says. "Each course is presented by the person who prepared it for you," she says. "You need reservations far in advance and it's big bucks, but well worth it." 877-963-3646; meadowood.com

42 gramsChicagoThis tiny BYOB restaurant has two nightly seatings, with a choice of kitchen counter or communal table. The chef and his wife, who previously ran an underground restaurant in their apartment, now serve standout dishes like asparagus gelato with tuna jerky and sea buckthorn, Gibson says. "It's rare when I'm able to clean my plate with 12-plus courses, but oh my goodness I did." 42gramschicago.com

PoshScottsdale, Ariz.This restaurant specializes in what it calls "improvisational cuisine," meaning the chef creates a multi-course menu based on diners' preferences. Seating's at a large chef's counter surrounding an open kitchen. "You can watch them preparing it and it's really as much a show as dinner because you don't know what's coming at you," Gibson says. 480-663-7674; poshscottsdale.com

The Catbird SeatNashvilleReservations fill up quickly for this unconventional restaurant where every seat is at the U-shaped kitchen counter. Diners must choose a multi-course tasting, which could include anything from a squash blossom stuffed with crab meat to a dish built around yeast. "It is an intimate dining experience. The food has a sense of place, but it's not fried chicken in Nashville," Gibson says. thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com

AteraNew YorkEvery spot in this expensive 13-seat Tribeca restaurant is at the kitchen counter, requiring service to be limited to two nightly seatings. There's a set menu, and with nearly two dozen courses, don't expect large portions. "You get of a lot of very small bites. But you get so many of them, you'll be full when you leave," Gibson says. Expect offerings like lamb tartare and beer foam meringue macaroons with caviar and crème fraîche filling." 212-226-1444; ateranyc.com

Triple Creek RanchDarby, Mont.This top-ranked hotel offers a special treat for diners from a six-seat alcove overlooking the kitchen. "The executive chef comes and presents each course to you," Gibson says. "They have delicate courses that I wouldn't have expected. But they also have meats and vegetables with char on it." 406-821-4600; triplecreekranch.com